Update on the temporary halt of production at the NTP reactor in South Africa

The CAMRT received an update on November 27, 2017, from the Mutlistakeholder Working Group (MSWG) on Isotope Supply Issues regarding the temporary halt of production at the NTP reactor in South Africa.

Through contacts with, and communications from, the Association of Imaging Producers & Equipment Suppliers (AIPES) and South Africa, the MSWG has learned that the situation is a result of a regulatory issue. At the request of the regulators, NTP has developed an action plan to rectify the situation and has already put new measures in place. The regulators are currently in the process of reviewing this action plan and it is expected that production will resume shortly.

The Government of Canada has been informed that only limited shortages are expected this coming week. Producers and suppliers are working collaboratively to mitigate the situation however, attention to efficient usage of medical isotopes is highly recommended at this time. The Government of Canada is monitoring the situation closely and is in communication with the AIPES. Information will be updated as received.

For your reference, a link to the Supply Management Application to Rank Uses of Technetium-99m (The “S.M.A.R.T.” Tool) is noted here https://www.cadth.ca/SMART-Tool

The MSWG was created a few years ago to bring together Canadian Federal and Provincial representatives, industry and national associations, like the CAMRT. The aim of the group is to monitor potential supply disruption risks of Tc-99m, develop mitigation strategies and ensure consistent messaging and communication to all stakeholders.

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The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) is Canada’s national professional association and certifying body for medical radiation technologists and therapists across the country. There are four disciplines represented among CAMRT’s membership: radiological technology, magnetic resonance, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy.